In search of a fully realized female character: ‘Celeste,’ ‘Ruby’ and ‘Waltz’

Three films that I’ve seen in the past month — “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” “Ruby Sparks” and “Take This Waltz” — offer juicy roles for their female leads Rashida Jones, Zoe Kazan and Michelle Williams. Not coincidentally, two of the roles were written or co-written by the actresses themselves, while the third was penned by the talented Sarah Polley, Oscar-nominated in 2006 for adapting Julie Christie-starrer “Away From Her.” All could draw loads of attention come February, particularly at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Each of the parts were charismatic, memorable — and in their own ways, perplexing.